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Administer

1. To manage or conduct, as public affairs; to direct or superintend the execution, application, or conduct of; as, to administer the government or the state. For forms of government let fools contest: Whate'er is best administered is best. (Pope)

2. To dispense; to serve out; to supply; execute; as, to administer relief, to administer the sacrament. [Let zephyrs] administer their tepid, genial airs. (Philips) Justice was administered with an exactness and purity not before known. (Macaulay)

3. To apply, as medicine or a remedy; to give, as a dose or something beneficial or suitable. Extended to a blow, a reproof, etc. A noxious drug had been administered to him. (Macaulay)

4. To tender, as an oath. Swear . . . To keep the oath that we administer. (Shak)

5. To settle, as the estate of one who dies without a will, or whose will fails of an executor.

Synonym: to manage, conduct, minister, supply, dispense, give out, distribute, furnish.

Origin: oe. Aministren, OF. Aministrer, f. Administer, fr. L. Administrare; ad _ ministrare to serve. See minister.